How to Make Your PS4 Quieter in 8 Steps

If you’re a serious player, you’ve probably heard your PlayStation 4 (PS4) console’s recognizable hum during long gaming sessions. Although the PS4 is a powerful gaming system, its cooling mechanism can produce a lot of noise, which some users may find unpleasant, especially in quieter settings. Fortunately, there are a number of actions you can take to quiet down your PS4 without sacrificing performance. This article will examine numerous techniques to make your PS4 quieter.

How to Make Your PS4 Quieter in 8 Steps

Is your PS4’s loud fan preventing you from enjoying your games? While immersed in your favorite games, a loud, buzzing fan can be annoying and distracting. However, do not worry! You can take simple actions to quiet your PS4 and enjoy a more tranquil gaming environment.

Cleaning the PS4

To minimize fan noise and ensure peak performance, your PS4 has to be cleaned. The accumulation of dust inside the console might cause it to overheat, which forces the fans to run longer and louder. For thorough PS4 cleaning, adhere to the following precise steps:

Step 1: Preparation

1. 1. Turn off and unplug the PS4: Make sure your PS4 is totally off before you begin cleaning. Remove the console’s power plug from the rear and any other cords that are attached to it.
   2. Find a suitable cleaning area: Select a clean, well-lit workspace with adequate space for comfortable work. To avoid scuffs or damage to the console, use a flat surface wrapped with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Step 2: Opening the PS4

1. Locate the hard drive bay cover: You will notice a glossy panel on the front of your PS4. To reveal the cover for the hard drive compartment, slide this panel to the left.
2. Remove the hard drive bay cover: Pull the hard drive bay cover off the console by gently lifting it from the left side. The hard drive should now be visible.

Step 3: Cleaning the Exterior

1. 1. Use a soft brush: Use a soft cosmetics brush or clean, dry paintbrush with gentle bristles to gently brush the dust from the console’s exterior. Pay close attention to the panel seams and vent apertures.
   2. Wipe with a microfiber cloth: To get rid of any last bits of dust and fingerprints, lightly wash the outside surfaces with a clean microfiber cloth.

Step 4: Cleaning the Interior

1. 1. Using compressed air: To effectively clean confined spaces inside the console, use compressed air. Short bursts of air should be used to quickly remove dust from the can’s inside parts while holding it upright. Pay close attention to any obvious spots where dust may have gathered, the cooling fan, and the vents.
   2. Avoid direct contact: Avoid tilting the can when using compressed air as this could discharge propellant liquid and harm the console. Additionally, avoid placing the nozzle inside the PS4 as it could harm delicate parts.

Step 5: Reassembling the PS4

4. Replace the hard drive bay cover: Gently slide the hard drive bay cover back into place until you hear a clicking sound after aligning it with the opening on the front of the PS4.

Step 6: Finishing Up

1. 1. Reconnect all cables: Reconnect any cords and the power adapter by inserting them into the PS4’s backside ports.
   2. Power on the PS4: As soon as your PS4 is turned on, listen for any odd noises. You’ve successfully cleaned your PS4 if all sounds normal.

Important Tips:

• • Depending on the environment your PS4 is stored in, perform this cleaning method at least once every several months.
  • Consider obtaining expert assistance or visiting Sony’s official support resources if you’re uncomfortable opening your PS4 or are unsure about cleaning specific components.
  • The console should not be cleaned with common household cleaners, chemicals, or abrasives because they could scratch the surface.

With a clean and well-maintained PS4, you’ll notice improved cooling efficiency, reduced fan noise, and a better overall gaming experience.

Bringing the Console Up

Elevating the console is a quick and easy way to increase the airflow around your PS4, which can lead to quieter fans and better cooling in general. The PS4’s bottom-mounted air intake ports may become blocked if it is placed directly on a flat surface.

This obstruction prevents cool air from entering, raising the interior temperature and requiring the fans to work harder to remove the heat.

Consider putting the PS4 on a firm, level surface with lots of room for air circulation to solve this problem. An alternative is to utilize a cooling stand made especially for the PS4, which has a raised platform and more airflow options.

The elevated posture improves the intake of cool air and the outflow of heated air through the exhaust vents by allowing air to circulate freely underneath the console.

Fans that are commonly included in cooling stands help to maintain a lower interior temperature. The workload on the PS4’s internal fans is decreased as a result of these fans’ ability to dissipate heat more effectively.

The outcome is a noticeably quieter gaming experience due to a significant reduction in fan noise on the console.

Pick a cooling stand that firmly suits the PS4’s measurements when making your selection. To prevent any swaying or instability while in use, the stand should offer a flat and solid platform.

To maximize airflow, make sure the cooling stand is properly positioned in relation to the PS4’s air vents.

To avoid any airflow obstruction, keep in mind to routinely wipe the PS4 and the cooling stand of dust and debris. Keep your PS4 functioning at an ideal temperature and reduce fan noise with a clean system and cooling stand.

Proper Ventilation to Reduce PS4 Noise

For your PS4 to continue to operate at its best and last as long as possible with the least amount of fan noise, proper ventilation is essential. The console struggles to dissipate the heat produced during gaming sessions when it is located in a poorly ventilated space, which raises internal temperatures. Because of this, the system’s internal fans must operate more vigorously, which increases fan noise. Please go by the comprehensive instructions below to make sure your PS4 has proper ventilation:

1. 1. Choose the Right Location: To place your PS4, pick a location with good ventilation. If possible, put it in a room that is open and has enough space for air to flow freely on all sides. Avoid placing the console on a shelf with little clearance, within a closed cabinet, or inside a small entertainment center. These small areas might restrict circulation and retain heat, which would cause overheating and more fan noise.

1. 1. Keep Away from Obstructions: Make sure that nothing is blocking the PS4’s air vents. Vents on the console’s sides and rear are essential for both air intake and exhaust. Make sure that nothing, including books, decorations, or other electronics, is in the way of these vents. Maintain a free area around the PS4 to allow for efficient airflow.
   2. Avoid Heat Sources: Keep the PS4 away from heat sources that emit direct heat, such as heaters, radiators, or sunlight. Placing the PS4 close to these heat-emitting objects might increase the system’s internal temperature, increasing the workload and noise level of the fans that are trying to cool it down.
   3. Consider Vertical Placement: If your PS4 model allows for vertical orientation, you might think about setting it up vertically. The console’s footprint is smaller when it is positioned vertically, which helps create more room around it for better airflow. However, make sure the console is stable and not wobbling or toppling when it is upright.
   4. Use Cooling Pads or Stands: In addition to elevating the console for increased airflow, employing a cooling pad or stand can also provide additional cooling through built-in fans. The PS4 will operate more quietly if these accessories can help control the internal temperature and lessen the burden on the internal fans.
   5. Monitor Temperature and Fan Speed: Check the PS4’s temperature using the system settings or outside monitoring software. The console may not be getting enough ventilation if you find that the inside temperature is regularly high and the fans are operating at full speed. Take the required actions to increase airflow and decrease temperature.

You can preserve your PS4’s performance, avoid overheating-related problems, and take advantage of a quieter gaming environment by making sure it has adequate ventilation. To maximize airflow and minimize fan noise, keep the area surrounding the console clear, utilize cooling accessories as necessary, and keep an eye on the temperature.

Upgrade to an SSD

It is a wise decision to switch from the standard HDD (Hard Disk Drive) in your PS4 to an SSD (Solid State Drive) in order to improve loading times and overall system speed as well as to dramatically lower fan noise. SSDs operate more quietly by nature because they lack any moving parts, in contrast to conventional HDDs. The mechanical noise that is typical of HDDs is eliminated by the lack of spinning disks and mechanical read/write heads.

Games, programs, and system operations load more quickly thanks to SSDs’ better read and write speeds since they can access data more quickly. The PS4’s internal fan won’t have to work as hard because of the speed improvement because the system can process jobs more quickly and produce less heat.

Adjusting System Settings

1. 1. Power Management Settings: Access the PS4 settings and navigate to “Power Saving Settings.” Choose “Set Functions Available in Rest Mode” and disable “Stay Connected to the Internet” and “Supply Power to USB Ports.” This reduces background downloads and minimizes power usage during rest mode, resulting in quieter operation.
   2. Automatic Downloads and Updates: In the same settings menu, turn off “Automatic Downloads” and “Application Update Files.” This prevents the PS4 from running updates and downloads in the background while you’re playing, decreasing system noise.

Play Disc-Free or Use Digital Downloads

The amount of noise your PS4 makes depends on whether you choose to play games off a disc or download them digitally. The optical drive of the console must spin the disc continually to read the game data when playing games from a disc, which produces a continuous buzzing sound.

On the other hand, since the full game is kept on the PS4’s internal or external storage, digital downloads do away with the necessity for a rotating disc drive. This results in a quieter gaming experience, making it a desirable choice for players seeking to lessen fan noise and take advantage of a more immersive gaming setting.

Beyond noise reduction, there are various more benefits to using digital downloads. First off, since data is retrieved directly from the storage, which is frequently quicker than an optical drive, digital games load more quickly than games on CDs.

As a result, your games load more quickly and you can access them more quickly. Additionally, since you don’t have to switch discs every time you want to play a different game, digital downloads are convenient. With just a few clicks, your complete game library is accessible, making it simple to move between games without pausing.

External Fan Solutions

External cooling solutions are useful add-ons that can greatly increase your PS4’s cooling effectiveness and make your gaming experience quieter. These fixes, like cooling pads or external fans made especially for the PS4, offer more airflow and cooling power to support the system integrated inside the console.

The internal fan has to work harder to remove the heat and maintain a safe operating temperature when the internal temperature of the PS4 rises due to extended gaming sessions or resource-intensive tasks. The internal fan may become noisier as a result of the increased workload because it must spin more quickly to keep the console cool.

You can help the PS4’s internal cooling system maintain lower temperatures by employing external cooling options.

Replace Old Fan If Making Noise

In comparison to other options, replacing the PS4 fan can be a more difficult task, but if the current fan is broken or malfunctioning, it can effectively minimize fan noise. If your PS4 is out of warranty or you have confidence in your technical abilities, take this alternative into consideration but bear in mind that doing so may void your warranty.

Here is a step-by-step tutorial for changing the PS4 fan:

1. 1. Preparation: Make sure your PS4 is unplugged from the power source and switched off. Create a tidy, well-lit workspace with enough space for comfortable work. assemble the required equipment and supplies, such as a screwdriver, a replacement fan that works with your PS4 model, and thermal paste.

1. 1. Accessing the PS4’s Interior: Slide the glossy panel on the PS4’s left side (facing the front) to the left to remove it. The cover of the hard drive bay will become visible. To see the internal parts, gently lift and remove the hard drive bay lid.
   2. Removing the Old Fan: You can normally find the cooling fan on the top-left corner of the PS4’s internal parts. It will have a cable connecting it to the motherboard. Remove the cord from the fan slowly. The fan’s screws must then be removed from the PS4’s chassis. After removing each screw, carefully raise the fan from its location.
   3. Installing the New Fan: Align the replacement fan with the fan slot on the PlayStation 4’s chassis. Tighten the screws to keep the fan in place. Make sure the fan’s cord is securely attached to the motherboard before reattaching it.

1. 1. Replacing Thermal Paste (Advanced Users): You might also think about changing the thermal paste on the CPU and GPU if you’re an experienced user and feel comfortable doing so. The thermal paste may deteriorate with time, which would result in ineffective heat transfer. This action might enhance cooling effectiveness and significantly lessen fan noise.
   2. Reassembling the PS4: Reinstall the hard drive bay cover with caution, then slide the shiny panel back into place. Verify that everything is firmly in place and that all the screws are snug.
   3. Testing: Turn on your PS4 by plugging in the power wire. Keep an ear out for any strange vibrations or sounds. While playing games or doing other resource-demanding tasks, keep an eye on the fan’s performance and temperature to make sure the replacement was effective.
   4. Safety Precautions: Consider getting assistance from a qualified expert or contacting Sony’s official support if you have questions about any step or run into unanticipated problems while doing the procedure.

You can increase cooling effectiveness and decrease fan noise by changing the PS4 fan with a compatible, high-quality replacement and, optionally, by applying fresh thermal paste. Always exercise caution when doing the replacement, and only do it if you are confident that you can do it without harming your console.

Useful Resources:

Why Does Your PS4 Sound Like a Jet Engine?

Thermal Paste Replacement

You might want to think about changing the thermal paste if your PS4 is an older model and frequently overheats. The thermal paste may deteriorate over time, resulting in insufficient heat transfer between components. Only skilled folks should try this method because it necessitates opening the console and nullifies the warranty.

What should I do if any of the solution didn’t work?

There are a few further actions you can take to address the issue if you’ve tried the preceding suggestions to make your PS4 quieter but you’re still having excessive fan noise or overheating problems:

1. 1. Verify Proper Cleaning: Verify once more that the area has been thoroughly cleaned and that there is no more dust or debris obstructing the airflow. Recheck the cleaning procedure and make sure all vents and openings are clear because dust can sometimes collect in difficult-to-reach places.
   2. Check for Firmware Updates: Make sure the firmware on your PS4 is current. Sony frequently provides system upgrades that could contain bug fixes and performance enhancements. Updating the firmware on your PS4 may help solve problems with cooling and fan noise.
   3. Check Internal Fan Operation: Consider testing the operation of the internal fan if you think it may be malfunctioning and causing the excessive noise. When the PS4 is turned on, pay attention for any odd grinding or clicking noises that can point to a fan issue. You might need to buy a new fan if the old one isn’t working properly.
   4. Monitor Internal Temperature: Check the interior temperature of your PS4 while playing games with third-party monitoring software or built-in temperature monitoring tools. When the temperature rises frequently, it can be a sign of insufficient cooling. In these situations, make sure your PS4 is positioned in a space with adequate airflow and ventilation.
   5. Consult Professional Support: If none of the aforementioned fixes the problem and you continue to experience overheating or excessive fan noise, think about getting assistance from a qualified technician or contacting Sony’s official support. Without the proper experience, attempting more complex troubleshooting or hardware alterations could result in significant harm to your console.
   6. Consider a Professional Cleaning: You can bring your PS4 to an expert technician for a full cleaning and inspection if you’re not comfortable opening your console to clean or replace internal components. They can make sure that all parts are operating properly and might be able to identify any underlying problems that are causing fan noise.

Final Thoughts

These actions can help you dramatically minimize the noise your PS4 makes, making your gaming experience quieter and more pleasurable. Do not forget to use cooling solutions when required and to maintain your console clean and well-ventilated. A faster loading time and quieter operation are additional benefits of upgrading to an SSD. You can fully immerse yourself in your favorite games without being disturbed by loud fans thanks to a quieter PS4.